Mason alumnus Fernando A. Mico designed the "Super Patriot" logo that will be unveiled on Jan. 5 when the Mason men's basketball team opens A-10 play against VCU on "Super Hero Day."
George Mason University has one of its own to thank for a key role in next month’s “Super Hero Day” theme for the men’s basketball team’s Atlantic 10 Conference opener against VCU on Jan. 5.
Mason alumnus Fernando A. Mico, an award-winning filmmaker who began his career as a colorist for Marvel Comics, has re-designed the university’s Patriot logo with a fiercer, more robust look that will be unveiled on T-shirts given out prior to the game. Mico, who graduated in 1994 with a double major in fine art and government and politics, previously illustrated for such titles as “The Avengers,” “Spider-Man,” “Wolverine” and “The X-Men.”
He was thrilled with the opportunity to work with his alma mater.
“It was kind of a full circle thing,” he said while at the Field House recently to meet with Athletics Department officials. “It brought different parts of my path in terms of obviously graduating from Mason and different chapters of my experience here at Mason with the blending of art and then blending of comic books and super heroes.”
Mico, whose acting experience also includes a brief appearance in the 2018 hit “Black Panther,” said that he researched trending images from a number of different heroes, making sure to keep the established green and gold look of the Mason Patriot in mind. In addition to adding a more powerfully built frame, Mico touched up the Patriot’s coat to make it resemble a cape.
“It brought me back to that same space when I was an art student here, where it wouldn’t be just black and white direct,” he said. “You’d look at more of the little nuances.”
The first 1,000 kids age 12 and under to enter EagleBank Arena for the noon tip-off, Mason season ticket holders and Mason students will receive a Super Patriot T-shirt while supplies last.
Additional activities that day will include a pre-game super hero meet-and-greet with Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Black Panther and Captain America. A post-game super hero training will be held on the court. Fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite super hero, but no masks or weapons will be allowed. Mason students can bring a friend for free.
Tickets to the game can be purchased here.